Playhouse Square Announces Updates to December Programming

This Playhouse Square announces new December programming.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker, a contemporary dance spectacle set to Tchaikovsky's timeless music, makes its first appearance at Playhouse Square December 6 at 7 pm in Playhouse Square's KeyBank State Theatre. The Hip Hop Nutcracker will feature DJ Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop's founding fathers, opening the show with a short set before rapping the introduction. The show is a full-length production featuring a dozen all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist. The traditional classic Tchaikovsky score beautifully complements the power moves of these 12 dancers, with transitional and incidental music re-mixed and re-imagined, helping to bring a beautifully surprising contemporary vibe to the production.

Just like the classic Nutcracker story, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of a colorful and contemporary New York City. Tickets are $59, $49, $39, $29 & $10.

Dave Koz 20th ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS TOUR DEC. 7

Koz Special Guests: David Benoit, Rick Braun, Peter White, Selena Albright

Two decades ago, GRAMMY nominee Dave Koz-a nice Jewish boy--launched his first-ever Christmas tour. Now music fans countrywide await anticipate his return with the enthusiasm reserved for St. Nick himself...earning Koz the nickname "Santa Koz!" This year Dave reunites with two members of the original tour: David Benoit and Peter White, plus Rick Braun (a guest on many of the Koz Christmas jaunts) and introducing Selena Albright. They perform their smooth jazz Christmas at Playhouse Square's KeyBank State Theatre Dec. 7 at 8 pm. (Tickets: $75, $60, $50, $35 & $10.)

CLEVELAND'S OWN Jim Brickman BRINGS "A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS" DEC.16

The pride of Shaker, Hts., OH, Jim Brickman, returns for one of Playhouse Square's favorite holiday concerts, this year performing "A Joyful Christmas," which is also the title of his new CD and DVD. Jim and his special guests perform one 8 pm show at Playhouse Square's KeyBank State Theatre Saturday, Dec. 16. In addition to Jim's latest holiday single "Christmas Where You Are" (which he recorded featuring Five for Fighting), Jim marks his 21st holiday tradition performing holiday songs, his catalog of hits (like "Valentine" and "Angel Eyes") and showcases some of his new music.

Brickman is one of pop-music's most fascinating success stories. He jumped from a career as a jingle writer of famous advertising tunes, to reviving the romantic standard of the popular song. His first album release was 1995's "No Words," and he's gone on to sell eight million albums worldwide. He's also written three best-selling books, starred in four TV concert specials, and is in the 20th season of hosting the popular syndicated radio show: "The Jim Brickman Show." (Tickets: $75, $65, $55, $45, $35 & $10.)

The Santaland Diaries is best-selling author David Sedaris' wickedly funny story of an out-of-work actor (David) taking a job in 1989 as Crumpet, a Macy's Christmas elf. His trials and tribulations with both children and adults puts a smile on the face of even the grouchiest holiday-goer. Twelve performances of The Santaland Diaries will take place at Playhouse Square's Outcalt Theatre December 6-17. All seats are $32.50.

OTHER PLAYHOUSE SQUARE HOLIDAY SEASON CONCERTS INCLUDE:

MOMMA'S BOY...Dec. 2

UNDER THE MISTLETOE...Dec. 2 & 3

A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS...Dec. 6

PEANUTS MEET THE GRINCH! (FEATURING RUSS MITCHELL & Evelyn Wright)...Dec. 9

STRAIGHT NO CHASER: THE SPEAKEASY TOUR...Dec. 10

Nutcracker SuITE (Cleveland Ballet)...Dec. 14-17

SING! An IrISH CHRISTMAS...Dec. 14

SHOPKINS LIVE!...Dec. 15

I BeLieve: A Holiday Celebration of SOng...Dec. 16 & 17

CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC...Dec. 27-30

GABRIEL "FLUFFY" iglesias: fLUFFyMANIA...DEC. 30

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